What is Paterology? What is Theology Proper?

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?

Theology Proper is the branch of systematic theology concerned with the study of God’s nature, character, and works. Paterology, a related sub field, focuses specifically on God the Father—His role within the Trinity, His relationship to creation, and His plan of redemption.

The Bible presents God as eternal (Psalm 90:2), holy (Isaiah 6:3), sovereign (Psalm 103:19), and unchanging (Malachi 3:6). All that exists was created by Him (Genesis 1:1) and depends on Him for life (Acts 17:24–25). Paterology emphasizes the Father’s role as the source of all things, the One who sent the Son into the world (John 3:16; Galatians 4:4–5) and who adopts believers as His children through Christ (Romans 8:15–17).

Because our understanding of God defines our worship, service, and worldview, Theology Proper and Paterology must be grounded in Scripture. God has revealed Himself in creation (Psalm 19:1–4), in His Word (2 Timothy 3:16), and supremely in His Son (John 14:9). The goal is not merely to know facts about God but to respond to Him in worship, obedience, and trust.

FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT

• The Old Testament establishes who God is. He is the eternal Creator: “In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth” (Genesis 1:1). He is self‑existent and personal, revealing His covenant name as “I AM WHO I AM” (Exodus 3:14). Israel confesses His uniqueness and unity: “The LORD is one” (Deuteronomy 6:4). ground Theology Proper’s basic claims about God’s aseity (self-existence), eternality, and uniqueness.
• God’s moral character is revealed in His holiness, righteousness, and mercy. He commands, “You shall be holy, for I the LORD your God am holy” (Leviticus 19:2), and He proclaims His name to Moses as “merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness,” while “by no means” clearing the guilty (Exodus 34:6–7). Theology Proper draws from these passages to explain how God is both forgiving and just.
• The Old Testament also presents God’s fatherly relationship to His people. He calls Israel “my firstborn son” (Exodus 4:22) and asks, “Is not he your father, who created you, who made you and established you?” (Deuteronomy 32:6). His care is tender and personal: “As a father shows compassion to his children, so the LORD shows compassion to those who fear him” (Psalm 103:13).
• Fatherly care includes fatherly discipline. Israel is taught to interpret hardship as loving correction: “As a man disciplines his son, the LORD your God disciplines you” (Deuteronomy 8:5). Proverbs 3:12 says, “the LORD reproves him whom he loves, as a father the son in whom he delights.” Paterology notes that the Father’s love is not sentimentality. Rather, God’s holy love corrects and restores.
• Finally, the Old Testament anticipates a royal son who will mediate the Father’s rule. God promises David, “I will be to him a father, and he shall be to me a son” (2 Samuel 7:14). He declares to the king, “You are my Son; today I have begotten you” (Psalm 2:7). Even Israel’s corporate sonship—“Out of Egypt I called my son” (Hosea 11:1)—prepares readers to recognize the Father–Son relationship revealed fully in the New Testament.

FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT

• The New Testament affirms the Father as the one true God. Jesus calls Him “the only true God” (John 17:3) and teaches His disciples to pray to “Our Father in heaven” (Matthew 6:9). The New Testament presents the Father as sovereign over creation, the source of life, and the giver of every good gift (Acts 17:24–25; James 1:17). These truths form the backbone of Theology Proper, shaping our understanding of God’s character and rule.
• The clearest revelation of the Father comes through Jesus Christ. Jesus is “the only Son from the Father” (John 1:14) and “the exact imprint of his nature” (Hebrews 1:3). When Jesus says, “Whoever has seen me has seen the Father” (John 14:9), He shows that to know Him is to know the Father. Paterology uses these passages to explain that the Father is perfectly revealed in the Son.
• The New Testament also shows that salvation begins and ends with the Father’s eternal plan. The Father sent the Son into the world out of love (John 3:16–17), raised Him from the dead (Acts 2:32), and chose believers in Christ before the foundation of the world (Ephesians 1:4). .
• Finally, the Father continues to care for His people as His children. Through adoption, believers receive the Spirit by whom we cry, “Abba! Father!” (Romans 8:15; Galatians 4:6). One day, Christ will deliver the kingdom to the Father so “that God may be all in all” (1 Corinthians 15:24–28), fulfilling the goal of both Theology Proper and Paterology—God glorified forever among His redeemed.

IMPLICATIONS FOR TODAY

While “Theology Proper” and “Paterology” may sound intimidating, they refer to the foundation of a healthy Christian life. What we believe about God, and specifically God the Father, will define everything about our worship and prayer, our trust in trials, and even how we live each day. If our understanding of Him is shallow or distorted, our faith will be unstable. However, if it is deeply rooted in biblical teaching, then we will be anchored in truth no matter what storms come.

Studying Theology Proper reminds us that God is holy, sovereign, eternal, and unchanging. We must allow these truths to keep us from making Him small in our minds or thinking of Him as just like us. Paterology adds to this by focusing on God’s personal relationship with His people—His role as Creator, Sustainer, and Father to all who trust in Christ. When we remember these truths, our confidence in His care and guidance will grow.

Practically, this means prioritizing time in God’s Word to know Him correctly. The more we understand God the Father, the more we will reflect His character in our lives. That is why understanding God through the study of Theology Proper and Paterology will grow our faith into a vibrant one.

UNDERSTAND

• Theology Proper studies God’s nature and attributes; Paterology focuses on God the Father and His role in creation and redemption.
• The Bible reveals God as eternal, holy, sovereign, and unchanging, with the Father sending the Son and adopting believers.
• Understanding God through Paterology and Theology Proper strengthens our faith, worship of, and trust in Him.

REFLECT

• How do you understand God’s nature and attributes, and how does that shape your worship and relationship with Him?
• How are you reflecting the Father’s character in how you relate to others?
• In what areas does your understanding of God feel shallow, and how can you grow deeper?

ENGAGE

• Who is God, and why is it important to know Him through the Bible?
• How does studying Theology Proper and Paterology help us balance knowing God intellectually and experiencing Him relationally?
• How can we encourage one another to trust God in trials based on His eternal, sovereign, and unchanging character?